When we see Dominik Szoboszlai consistently delivering electrifying performances in his initial four months at Liverpool, it’s easy to assume he’s adjusting to life on Merseyside effortlessly. However, we only witness his on-pitch activities for a few hours each week and not the reality of a young man acclimating to a new country following a high-profile job change.

The 23-year-old candidly discussed his off-field life in an interview with journalist Mark Soos for Fodball. In a quote translated by Bence Bocsak on X, Szoboszlai admitted to occasionally feeling ‘lonely’ during his time in England so far.

The Liverpool player said: “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel lonely sometimes. There are days when I’m just sitting on the couch wondering about what to do. Then I put on a movie and try to fall asleep, hoping for tomorrow.”

It’s easy to fall into the trap of viewing top-level footballers as impervious figures who, because of their substantial earnings, should simply deal with everything and appreciate the chance to live their dream.

However, the players we cheer for on the football field each week are human beings like us, experiencing both good and bad times. Their confident, exuberant public personas may often mask the struggles they face in their private lives.

It’s important to remember that Szoboszlai has just turned 23 and is still relatively new to living in England, which brings cultural and linguistic adjustments (despite his excellent English), along with the pressure of justifying the £60m fee paid for him by one of the world’s biggest clubs.

While we enjoy watching his brilliance on the pitch, it’s crucial that he is happy and healthy in his day-to-day life on Merseyside.

He deserves immense credit for bravely admitting his feelings of vulnerability and loneliness off the field. Fortunately, he has Jurgen Klopp as his manager, who handles such issues with great empathy and understanding.

We hope Szoboszlai can rely on a supportive network around him to help him navigate the tougher times away from Anfield.